India Will Defend Its People Against Terror-Supporting Neighbours: Jaishankar Sends a Firm Message

India will not hesitate to defend its citizens if neighbouring countries continue to support terrorism, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, underlining a clear red line in India’s foreign and security policy. Speaking at an interaction with students at IIT Madras, Jaishankar stated that while India values peaceful and cooperative relations in its neighbourhood, such goodwill cannot extend to states that deliberately and persistently promote terror.

His remarks reinforced New Delhi’s long-standing position that national security and the safety of Indian citizens remain non-negotiable, regardless of diplomatic sensitivities or external pressure.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (Photo: PTI) | Business Standard

Good Neighbours and Bad Neighbours: India’s Practical Approach

Jaishankar drew a sharp distinction between what he described as “good neighbours” and “bad neighbours.” He noted that India has consistently acted as a responsible regional partner, extending help during crises without hesitation. From supplying COVID-19 vaccines across South Asia to providing food, fuel, and financial assistance to neighbours facing economic distress, India has demonstrated its commitment to regional stability and cooperation.

However, he made it clear that this generosity cannot coexist with terrorism. According to the minister, it is unrealistic to expect normal relations, cooperation on shared resources, or diplomatic accommodation when a neighbouring country continues to enable violence against Indian citizens.

India’s Sovereign Right to Self-Defence

Emphasising sovereignty, Jaishankar asserted that India alone will decide how to respond to security threats. He rejected the notion that external actors can dictate how India should protect its people, stressing that self-defence is an inherent right of every nation.

This position reflects India’s evolving security doctrine, which combines diplomatic engagement with a readiness to take firm action when provoked. Recent counter-terror operations and diplomatic measures have signalled that India is willing to recalibrate its responses when traditional restraint fails to deter hostile actions.

Terrorism and Diplomacy Cannot Coexist

Jaishankar also highlighted the contradiction in seeking cooperation while simultaneously supporting terror. Issues such as trade, water sharing, and regional connectivity, he suggested, cannot be separated from the broader security environment. Trust and cooperation require responsible behaviour, and terrorism fundamentally erodes that foundation.

Without naming any country directly, his remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to Pakistan, which India has repeatedly accused of backing cross-border terrorism. The statement aligns with India’s consistent position at international forums, where it has called for zero tolerance toward terrorism and its sponsors.

A Broader Regional and Global Context

The minister’s comments come amid persistent regional tensions and a shifting global security landscape. As geopolitical instability grows worldwide, India has increasingly emphasised strategic autonomy and national resilience. Jaishankar’s remarks reflect this broader outlook, signalling that India will engage with the world on its own terms while firmly protecting its core interests.

At the same time, India continues to strengthen partnerships with countries that respect sovereignty and reject extremism, reinforcing its role as a stabilising force in the region.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s position on terrorism remains rooted in a clear and uncompromising principle: national security and the safety of its citizens are non-negotiable. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s remarks underline that while India believes in peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation, these ideals cannot survive alongside state-sponsored or state-tolerated terrorism. India has consistently demonstrated responsible leadership in South Asia, whether through humanitarian assistance, economic support, or crisis response, but such goodwill loses meaning when neighbours actively enable violence. Normal diplomatic engagement, cooperation on shared issues, and regional trust are impossible without an end to terror sponsorship.

The emphasis on sovereignty and self-defence reflects India’s evolving strategic outlook in a volatile global environment. India alone will decide how to protect its people, without external prescriptions or moral lectures. Diplomacy and terrorism cannot coexist, as terror corrodes the very foundation of trust required for cooperation. By reinforcing zero tolerance toward terrorism and strengthening ties with responsible global partners, India signals that it will remain open to dialogue and collaboration, but firmly prepared to respond when its red lines are crossed.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, Economic Times)